Vol. 7, No. 2 • July 8, 2022
President’s Points of Pride
The safety of Shepherd’s students and employees is our top priority. As we navigate the waters of uncertain times and witness horrific acts of senseless violence in communities around our country, we are emboldened to be prepared for possible scenarios of violent behavior. Our remarkable police force, along with our K-9 “officer” Nikita, practices for a variety of disastrous situations and educates our campus community with detailed guidelines to react appropriately. Being prepared gives us a degree of solace that allows us to continue providing an excellent education in a protected environment.
Dr. Jason Best appointed to West Virginia Science and Research Council
Dr. Jason Best, professor of astronomy and astrophysics and assistant provost for distance education and strategic research initiatives, has been appointed to the West Virginia Science and Research Council for the term ending June 30, 2026. Dr. Best joins 15 other members of the council to provide expertise and policy guidance to the state about federal and state programs. According to its website, the goal of the Science and Research Council is to “increase the capacity of the state and its colleges and universities to attract, implement, and use cutting-edge, competitive research funds and infrastructure.” Dr. Best, we are so proud that you are representing Shepherd on this important council. Congratulations!
President Hendrix announces new temporary reporting reassignment
Effective July 11, IT Services will report to Dr. Ben Martz, Dean, College of Business, until a new Vice President for Finance and Administration has been identified. This interim appointment will support the ongoing partnership that exists between IT and Academics, which is focused on enhancing classroom technology and information security and continuing to build our learning environments. This temporary reassignment will allow Dr. Martz and our CIO/CISO Joey Dagg to work collaboratively on these vital projects.
2022 Ram Fest scheduled for August 5
Join the Shepherd University Athletic Club and the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown Friday, August 5 at 6 p.m. at the Bavarian Inn for 2022 Ram Fest, a celebration of fine food, great beverages, and the successes of Shepherd Athletics! Get the inside scoop from Shepherd Athletics administrators and coaches, from the successes of Shepherd’s second year in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference to the bright future that lies ahead for all our programs. Grab your tickets online so you don’t miss a fun-filled evening full of great food and fellowship with other members of the Ram Nation. For questions or to become a Ram Fest sponsor, contact Mark Warren, assistant athletic director for external affairs, at mwarren@shepherd.edu.
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival returns in August
Back for its second season, the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival (ACMF) is focusing on the roots of Appalachian music and the influence of Celtic and Scots Irish traditions. The festival will include educational programming, free concerts, affordable prices for ticketed events, world premieres of commissioned and original work, outreach, and workshops. Festival events span multiple venues over two weeks in August so visit the ACMF website for all the details and to purchase tickets. Buy your tickets before July 10 and enjoy 25% off select ACMF tickets using promo code FESTIVAL22.
Shepherd hosts 2022 Manuscript to Marketplace Writers Conference, attracts big names in publishing industry
The Manuscript to Marketplace Writers Conference has secured major talent for its upcoming event, scheduled for September 9-10 at Shepherd University. Two nationally known and influential experts on the manuscript to marketplace continuum have signed on as headline presenters: Robin Cutler, president of LMBPN Worldwide Publishing and CEO of HowToPublishBooks.com, a consulting service for indie authors and publishers; and Jane Friedman, a business strategist for authors and publishers with 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. Cutler and Friedman will be joined by fellow headliner Stephen Spotswood, winner of the 2021 Nero Award for best American mystery and author of the Pentecost & Parker series. In addition to the keynotes, the Manuscript to Marketplace Writers Conference at Shepherd will feature panel discussions and workshops designed to provide practical advice and insider insights to writers at any stage. Conference space is limited. Early-bird tickets are available for $159. Up-and-coming or aspiring authors who wish to participate in the conference can learn more and register at www.writersconferencesu.com.
News
Shepherd's Misty Mountains Teacher Institute brings Appalachian artists to the community
The West Virginia Humanities Council Summer Teacher Institute, “Voices from the Misty Mountains, Reclaiming Our Story for a New Appalachia,” invites the community to enjoy free evening programs at Shepherd by two Appalachian artists in July: Gretchen Moran Laskas and Adam Booth.
Upcoming Events
Friday, July 8
7:30 p.m.—Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players perform “Eurydice,” Reynolds Hall (tickets available at the door)
Saturday, July 9
3 p.m.—Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players perform “Eurydice,” Reynolds Hall (tickets available at the door)
7:30 p.m.—Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players perform “Eurydice,” Reynolds Hall (tickets available at the door)
Sunday, July 10
2-4 p.m.—Art in the Library reception with Laura Wilt, South Jefferson Public Library, 49 Church St., Summit Point, West Virginia
3 p.m.—Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players perform “Eurydice,” Reynolds Hall (tickets available at the door)
Thursday, July 14
Saturday, July 16
Monday, July 18
7 p.m.—Reading by writer Gretchen Moran Laskas, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium
Wednesday, July 20
7 p.m.—Storyteller Adam Booth, “Stories from the Front Porch,” Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium
Thursday, July 21
Last day to withdraw from a Summer Session B class
Saturday, July 23
Thursday, July 28
Last day to completely withdraw from Summer Term 2022 or Summer Session B
Saturday, July 30
Shepherd University news and events are available here.
Shepherd Athletics news and schedules are available here.
Dana L. Costa
Executive Director, University Communications
Shepherd University
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown WV 25443-5000
